At least 15 people were killed Saturday when gunmen attacked three villages in Niger state, northern Nigeria, Amnesty International reported.
The simultaneous assaults targeted Tashan Maje, Saduro, and Runtuwa villages, with attackers on dozens of motorcycles firing indiscriminately and ransacking shops.
Amnesty described the violence as “horrific,” saying residents constantly live on the edge, fearing for their lives amid rising insecurity.
Northern Nigeria faces a complex crisis with militants in the northeast and armed gangs kidnapping civilians across north-central regions.
The U.S. previously accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from alleged genocide, a claim the government and analysts strongly disputed.
In December, U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Islamic State-affiliated militants, while last month Washington announced troops would train Nigerian forces against extremism.
Last week, 38 people were killed and others abducted in Zamfara state, underscoring the escalating threat from criminal gangs and insurgents.
The Nigerian military said Sunday it achieved “decisive operational successes” over 24 hours, arresting 20 suspects and seizing weapons, drugs, and stolen goods.
Authorities described the operation as a relentless push to weaken terrorist networks and criminal syndicates across the country, reclaiming lost territory.
Residents continue to endure fear and uncertainty, highlighting the human toll of Nigeria’s intertwined security, religious, and criminal challenges.